Hybrid vehicle recharging system and method of operation

ABSTRACT

A system and method for recharging a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The system includes a controller that schedules the recharging of the vehicles on local electrical distribution networks. The system arranges the schedule to minimize the demand loading on the local distribution network to more efficiently operate power plants providing electrical power to the distribution networks. A system for collecting charges associated with the recharging of plug-in hybrid vehicles is also disclosed providing for prepaid utility accounts.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/850,113, entitled “Hybrid Vehicle Recharging System and Method ofOperation” filed Sep. 5, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by referencein its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a system for rechargingplug-in hybrid vehicles and more particularly to a system that balancesthe electrical power demands on local distribution networks.

Due to rising cost of petroleum and the fuels derived from it, thedesire to improve efficiency to reduce air pollutants and increasinglymore restrictive regulatory requirements, the automotive industry hasdeveloped new types of vehicles that utilize a combination of powersources to provide the necessary energy to provide propulsion for thevehicle. Rather than rely solely on an internal combustion engine, thesenew vehicles, referred to as hybrid vehicles, utilize an internalcombustion engine in combination with an electric motor. Another versioncalled a plug-in hybrid may also supplement the charging of thebatteries from the electric grid or other sources. Depending on the modeof operation, the vehicle will use the combustion engine, the electricmotor, or a combination thereof. By using the electric motor at varioustimes, the combustion engine could be shut off, reducing the amount ofgasoline or other fuel consumed using electricity to power the motorinstead. The electric motor is powered by batteries that areperiodically recharged through a combination of a generator coupled tothe combustion engine, regenerative breaking technology and from thelocal utility grid or other external source of electricity. Regenerativebreaking allows the capture of energy that would otherwise be dissipatedthrough heat when the vehicle is slowed down or brought to a stop.

Hybrid vehicles provided many advantages over previously introduced allelectric vehicles. The hybrid vehicle provided greater range and moreflexibility for the operator. Since the all-electric vehicle needed tobe charged periodically, and required several hours at a minimum torecharge, the operator needed to remain aware of the level of chargeremaining in the batteries to ensure they were able to return to theircharging station. Hybrid vehicles, in contrast, by having two differentsources of propulsion do not carry the same risks due to the wideavailability of fuels such as gasoline.

A typical hybrid vehicle uses a nickel metal hydride battery to storeelectrical charge. When run in pure electric mode, the hybrid vehiclecan only operate for short distances, 2 km-32 km for example, beforerequiring the use of the gasoline engine. Since the gasoline enginerecharges the batteries, at least in part, the vehicle manufacturersneed to balance the amount of battery storage against fuel efficiency toprovide a vehicle that meets the consumers performance expectations.

To further lower emissions and increase gas mileage, some manufacturershave developed so-called “plug-in” hybrid (“PIH”) vehicles. The PIHvehicles include a receptacle that connects the batteries to a standard110V or 220V household electrical outlet and allows the consumer torecharge the batteries using utility electric power rather than byburning gasoline or other fuel in a combustion engine. This allows thePIH vehicles to have a longer range in electric mode of operation sincelarger capacity batteries may be used, resulting in vehicle that usesless gasoline and thus lower emissions. While the PIH vehicle does placeadditional demands on the existing utility electrical distribution.

While existing electrical distribution systems are suitable for this newpurpose, there remains a need for improvements, particularly regardingthe control of recharging of PIH vehicles and the increased efficienciesthat may be gained from existing utility electrical distributionnetworks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system for recharging a hybrid vehicle having a battery is disclosed.The system includes a meter having a power connection configured toelectrically couple to the hybrid vehicle. A local electricaldistribution network is electrically coupled to the meter. A controllerassociated with the local electrical distribution network and disposedin communication with the utility distribution network and the meter,said controller including a processor responsive to executable computerinstructions for providing a signal to said meter to allow electricalpower to flow to said battery.

In another embodiment a hybrid vehicle is disclosed. The hybrid vehicleincludes an electric motor coupled to a battery. A receptacle configuredto receive electrical power from an external energy source is alsoelectrically coupled to the battery. A meter is electrically coupled tothe battery and receptacle where the meter is configured to control theflow of electrical power between the receptacle and the battery.

A method for collecting fees or credits such as carbon credits forrecharging a hybrid vehicle is also disclosed. The method includesproviding a controller containing a plurality of utility accountswherein each utility account is associated with a correspondingindividual or business entity. A meter associated with a hybrid vehicleis communicating to determine if the hybrid vehicle is associated withone of the utility accounts. Electrical power consumption by the hybridvehicle authorizing at a first tariff rate if the hybrid vehicle isassociated with one of the utility accounts. Finally, the hybrid vehicleis assigned an approved recharge time period.

A method for recharging a plurality of hybrid vehicles connected to alocal utility network is also disclosed. The method includes the step ofdetermining a number of hybrid vehicles connected to the localelectrical distribution network. The electrical power characteristics ofthe local electrical distribution network are determined along with anoff-peak period based on an electrical demand profile for the localelectrical distribution network. Recharge times are scheduled for eachof the plurality of hybrid vehicles wherein the scheduling is based on abalancing of the electrical power characteristics such as a demandprofile and the number of hybrid vehicles. The final step includesactivating the recharging of each of the hybrid vehicles atpredetermined times during the off-peak period.

A meter associated with a plug-in hybrid vehicle is also disclosedhaving an electrical measuring device and a communications device. Aprocessor is electrically coupled to the electrical measuring device andthe communications device. The processor is responsive to executablecomputer instructions for receiving schedule instructions through thecommunications device and the processor includes means for connectingand disconnecting electrical power

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings, which are meant to be exemplary and notlimiting, and wherein like elements are numbered alike:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a utility electrical distributionsystem;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an average electrical demand profile forelectrical usage of a large metropolitan city having the electricaldistribution network of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a PIH vehicle charging system inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a representation of a controller which is disposed incommunication with one or more PIH vehicles and the utility distributionnetwork;

FIG. 5 is a representation of a controller which is disposed incommunication with one or more PIH vehicles and a utility distributionnetwork, the data sources in FIG. 5 are described in terms of the kindof information including, but not limited to the number of vehiclescoupled to the network, the state of charge of the batteries in thevehicles, the demand profile of the network, electrical poweravailability, weather data, and account information;

FIG. 6 is a representation of a controller which is disposed incommunication with one or more PIH vehicles, a utility distributionnetwork, and data sources, the controller of FIG. 6 is arranged toreceive instructions, including but not limited to instructions onscheduling recharging time periods for vehicles coupled to the network;

FIG. 7 is an example of a PIH vehicle recharging schedule where theincrease in demand during an off peak time period remains relativelyconstant;

FIG. 8 is another example of a PIH vehicle recharging schedule where thedemand from PIH vehicles is increased during time periods where the baseelectrical load is decreasing;

FIG. 9 is a representation of a controller which is disposed incommunication with one or more PIH vehicles, a utility distributionnetwork, and data sources, the controller of FIG. 9 is arranged toreceive instructions, including but not limited to instructions ondetermining what tariff rate to charge a customer, and the automaticreplenishing of the customers account;

FIG. 10 is a representation of a PIH vehicle meter which is coupled to aPIH vehicle and disposed in communication with the controller of FIG. 4and the utility electrical distribution network;

FIG. 11 is a representation of a PIH vehicle meter which is disposed incommunication with the controller of FIG. 4 and a utility electricaldistribution network, the data sources in FIG. 11 are described in termsof the kind of information including, but not limited to the vehicleitinerary, available battery charge, recharge electricity usage data,and cost of energy;

FIG. 12 is a representation of a PIH vehicle meter which is disposed incommunication with the controller of FIG. 4, a utility electricaldistribution network, and data sources, the meter of FIG. 12 is arrangedto receive instructions, including but not limited to instructions ondetermining whether or not a PIH vehicles batteries need to berecharged, or whether the recharging can be delayed; and

FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of an alternate embodiment forcollecting fees associated with recharging a PIH vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a utility electricaldistribution network 20. The utility network 20 includes one or morepower plants 22 connected in parallel to a main distribution network 24.The power plants 22 may include, but are not limited to: coal, nuclear,natural gas, or incineration power plants. Additionally, the powerplants 22 may include one or more hydroelectric, solar, or wind turbinepower plants. It should be appreciated that additional components suchas transformers, switchgear, fuses and the like (not shown) may beincorporated into the utility network 22 as needed to ensure the safeand efficient operation of the system. The utility network 20 may beinterconnected with one or more other utility networks to allow thetransfer of electrical power into or out of the electrical network 20.

The main distribution network 24 typically consists of medium voltagepower lines, less than 50 kV for example, and associated distributionequipment which carry the electrical power from the point of productionat the power plants 22 to the end users located on local electricaldistribution networks 26, 28. The local distribution networks 26, 28 areconnected to the main distribution network by substations 30 which adaptthe electrical characteristics of the electrical power to those neededby the end users. Substations 30 typically contain one or moretransformers, switching, protection and control equipment. Largersubstations may also include circuit breakers to interrupt faults suchas short circuits or over-load currents that may occur. Substations 30may also include equipment such as fuses, surge protection, controls,meters, capacitors and voltage regulators.

The substations 30 connect to one or more local electrical distributionnetworks, such as local distribution network 26, for example, thatprovides electrical power to a commercial area having end users such asan office building 32 or a manufacturing facility 34. Local distributionnetwork 26 may also include one or more transformers 36 which furtheradapt the electrical characteristics of the delivered electricity to theneeds of the end users. Substation 30 may also connect with other typesof local distribution networks such as residential distribution network28. The residential distribution network 28 may include one or moreresidential buildings 46 and also light industrial or commercialoperations.

The electrical power available to an end user on one of the localdistribution networks 26, 28 will depend on the characteristics of localdistribution network and where on the local network the end user islocated. For example, local distribution network 28 may include one ormore transformers 40 that further divides local distribution network 28into two sub-networks 42, 44. One such electrical characteristic is themaximum power that may be delivered to a local distribution network.While the utility network 20 may have power plants 22 capable ofgenerating many megawatts of electrical power, this power may not becompletely available to an end user in a residence 46 on a localdistribution network 28 since the intervening equipment and cablingrestricts, or limits the delivery of electrical power.

Existing local distribution networks 26, 28 are designed to provide theelectrical power demanded during peak usage periods. Referring to FIG.2, it can be seen that the demand for electrical power does not remainconstant during the day, but rather peaks in the late afternoon/earlyevening. The demand curve illustrated in FIG. 2 is an average electricaldemand for a large metropolitan city. The actual demands on the localdistribution network will change from one day to the next and will alsodiffer depending on the season. The actual demand will be the functionof many parameters, including the weather, time of day, season of theyear and the like. Further if a local distribution network 26, 28experiences an increase in electrical demand due to other factors, suchas new construction for example, changes may need to be made to thelocal distribution network to allow sufficient power to flow to thelocal distribution network, even though the utility network 20 hassufficient electrical production capacity to meet the needs of the newdemand.

PIH vehicles represent one such type of increase in electrical powerdemand on the utility network 20. It has been estimated that theexisting utility networks have sufficient generation capacity such thatPIH vehicles would need to achieve a market penetration of 30%-40%before additional capacity would need to be added. However, a lowermarket penetration as well as the higher market penetrations may resultin power constraints on individual local distribution networks dependingon a number of factors including the local distribution network powerdelivery capacity, the existing base load and the number of PIH vehicleson the local distribution network. The power constraints on a localdistribution network such as residential network 28 for example, may befurther complicated by the demographics of the network. In a residentialnetwork, the owners of PIH vehicles will be tend to arrive home fromwork in the late afternoon or early evening. When the owners arrivehome, they will tend to connect their PIH vehicle to an electricaloutlet during the same time frame. Without some type of control, theadditional electrical demands from the PIH vehicles will be placed onthe local distribution network at the time of day which also correspondsto the peak demand period.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an exemplary embodiment of a system forcontrolling the recharging of a PIH vehicle will be described. A PIHvehicle 48 typically includes an internal combustion engine 50 coupledto a motor 52 through a transmission 54 that transfers the power fromthe engine 50 and motor 52 to the wheels 56. A battery 58 iselectrically coupled to provide electricity to power the motor 52.Alternatively, the motor 52 may be arranged to act as a generator drivenby the engine 50 to provide recharging of the battery 58. It should beappreciated that the battery 58 is referred to as a single component,however, the battery 58 may be comprised of a number of electrochemicalcells or discrete individual batteries that are coupled together inseries or parallel, depending on the voltage and power needs. Thebattery 58 is electrically coupled to a receptacle 62 which provides anexternal connection to a power source. A meter 60 is electricallyconnected between the receptacle 62 and the battery 58 to control theflow of electrical power to and from the battery 58. A sensor 61 coupledto meter 60 is arranged to measure the charge remaining in the battery58.

The meter 60 may be embodied in the form of computer-implementedprocesses and apparatuses for practicing those processes. The meter 60may also be embodied in the form of a computer program product havingcomputer program code containing instructions embodied in tangiblemedia, such as floppy diskettes, CD-ROMs, hard drives, USB (universalserial bus) drives, or any other computer readable storage medium, suchas random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), or erasableprogrammable read only memory (EPROM), for example, wherein, when thecomputer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, thecomputer becomes part of the meter 60. The meter 60 may also be embodiedin the form of computer program code, for example, whether stored in astorage medium, loaded into and/or executed by a computer, ortransmitted over some transmission medium, such as over electricalwiring or cabling, through fiber optics, or via electromagneticradiation, wherein when the computer program code is loaded into andexecuted by a computer, the computer becomes part of the meter 60. Whenimplemented on a general-purpose microprocessor, the computer programcode segments configure the microprocessor to create specific logiccircuits. As will be described in more detail below, one example of atechnical effect of the executable instructions is to determine thelevel of charge in the batteries 58 and determine if the current timeperiod corresponds with an approved recharge time period or reducedelectricity cost based on the time of day or the intended use in avehicle.

The meter 60 includes a communications device 64 that provides a meansfor the meter to communicate with external devices such as controller 66as will be described in more detail herein. The communications device 64may incorporate any type of communications protocol capable of allowingthe meter 60 to receive, transmit and exchange information with one ormore external devices. Communications device 64 may use communicationsystems, methodologies and protocols such as, but is not limited to,TCP/IP, IEEE 802.11, RS-232, RS-485, Modbus, IrDA, infrared, radiofrequency, electromagnetic radiation, microwave, Bluetooth, power-line,telephone, local area networks, wide area networks, Ethernet, cellular,fiber-optics, barcode, and laser.

A cable 68 connects the receptacle 62 to an outlet 70 in residence 46.The cable 68 is appropriately sized to support the flow of electricalpower between the PIH vehicle 48 and the residence 68. In the exemplaryembodiment, the residential household circuit the cable will support 1.5kilowatts at 110 volts to 3.0 kilowatts at 240 volts. The outlet 70 isconnected to a residential meter 72 that connects the residence 46 tothe local distribution network 28. The residential meter 72 measures theamount of electrical power supplied from the local distribution network28 to the residence 46.

The meter 60 is disposed in communication with and to exchange data withcontroller 66. As will be described in more detail below, the controller66 provides control functionality for organizing, scheduling andauthorizing the recharging of PIH vehicle 48. In the exemplaryembodiment, the controller 66 is described as being single computerprocessing device, however, it is contemplated that the controller 66may also be a distributed or networked computing system comprised of anumber of processing components. For example, each local distributionnetwork 26, 28 may have an individual controller associated withproviding the desired functionality to that network. These localdistribution controllers may be in communication with each other, orwith one or more “upstream” controllers within the utility system 20.

The controller 66 and the meter 60 may be any suitable control devicecapable of receiving multiple inputs and providing control functionalityto multiple devices based on the inputs. Controller 66 and meter 60includes a processor which is a suitable electronic device capable ofaccepting data and instructions, executing the instructions to processthe data, and presenting the results. Processor may accept instructionsthrough a user interface, or through other means such as but not limitedto electronic data card, voice activation means, manually-operableselection and control means, radiated wavelength and electronic orelectrical transfer. Therefore, the processor can be a microprocessor,microcomputer, a minicomputer, an optical computer, a board computer, acomplex instruction set computer, an ASIC (application specificintegrated circuit), a reduced instruction set computer, an analogcomputer, a digital computer, a molecular computer, a quantum computer,a cellular computer, a superconducting computer, a supercomputer, asolid-state computer, a single-board computer, a buffered computer, acomputer network, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a scientificcomputer, a scientific calculator, or a hybrid of any of the foregoing.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown the controller 66 receiving asinputs data 74, and instructions 76. Controller 66 also outputsinstructions 78. The data 74 may come from a variety of sources, such astransmitted data 80, database data 82, local distribution network data84, main distribution network data 86, and other data 88. The data andinstruction outputs from controller 66 may be transmitted to the PIHvehicle 48, the residential meter 70, a controller on another localdistribution network, or a controller associated with the maindistribution network 24.

Another embodiment of the controller 66 is shown in FIG. 5. The data 74is described in terms of the type of information represented by thedata, such as the number of vehicles on the local distribution network90, the state of charge of each of the batteries in the vehicles 92, theexpected demand profile for the local distribution network 94, theelectrical power availability from the main distribution network 96,weather data 98, electrical power consumption by a PIH vehicle for autility account 100, and a utility account information for the PIHvehicle 102. The utility account information will include the name,address, financial account information, and account holder preferences.Typically, the account information 101 will be associated with anindividual or business entity. While the utility account information isdescribed herein as having a single PIH vehicle associated therewith, itis contemplated that a single utility account may be associated withmultiple PIH vehicles. Similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, thedata and instruction outputs from controller 66 may be transmitted tothe PIH vehicle 48, the residential meter 70, a controller on anotherlocal distribution network, or a controller associated with the maindistribution network.

Referring now to FIG. 6, another embodiment of the controller 66 isillustrated. The controller 66 receives inputs 74, instructions 76 andoutputs instructions 78. The instructions 76 may include automatedinstructions that are executed on a processor associated with controller66 and responsive to executable computer instructions. Theseinstructions 76 may take the form of software, firmware, or any otherform or combination of forms in which computer instructions may beembodied. The instructions 76 may or may not be subject to reprogrammingor other change. An exemplary instruction 104 includes a process forscheduling the recharging of PIH vehicles on a local distributionnetwork. First the controller 66 determines if there are any requestsfor PIH vehicle recharge 106. If there is a demand from PIH vehicles, itis determined if the aggregate recharging demand exceeds the localdemand threshold 108. As discussed above, an individual localdistribution network will have an electrical characteristic, such as themaximum power delivery for example. To maintain reliability, the utilitywill want to set a threshold, 70%-80% of the maximum power deliverycapacity for example, in order to ensure that adequate power isavailable to meet the demands of the end users. To determine if thethreshold will be exceeded by the demands placed on the localdistribution network 28 by the PIH vehicles, controller may compare thePIH vehicle electrical demand against the expected electrical demandprofile data 94 and the main distribution network availability data 96.

If the demand from the PIH vehicles is low enough, the controller mayassign a simple recharge start and stop time 112 for the PIH vehiclesduring the off-peak period 114. If the demand from the PIH vehicles issufficiently large, the controller 66 enters into instruction 110 wherea schedule is formed by controller 66 for each PIH vehicle. The scheduleis arranged to account for factors such as the expected electricaldemand profile, the main distribution network power availability, thebattery charge levels in each of the PIH vehicles, and charge rates foreach of the PIH vehicles. The recharge schedule is arranged to staggerthe start and stop times for each of the PIH vehicles on the localdistribution network 28 to keep the total electrical power demand on thelocal distribution network 28 below the demand threshold and to maximizethe efficient use of power plants 22. Once the controller 66 formulatesthe schedule, the respective recharge start and stop times aretransmitted to each of the PIH vehicles on the local distributionnetwork 28.

One example of a recharge schedule is illustrated in FIG. 7. Here, thecontroller 66 initiates the recharge schedule at 23:00 (11:00 PM). Inthis embodiment, the start and stop times for each of the PIH vehiclesis arranged to maintain a constant electrical demand between 23:30 and06:00 as illustrated by line 116. As shown in FIG. 7, the recharge timesfor each of the PIH vehicles is not the same and will depend on thestate of charge of the batteries and the rate of charge that thebatteries can maintain.

Another example of a recharge schedule is shown in FIG. 8. In thisembodiment, the controller 66 bias the recharge times between 1:00 and6:00 and especially between 2:00 and 4:00. This creates a PIH vehicleelectrical demand as illustrated by line 118. The biasing of the PIHvehicle demand could be desired, for example, to offset the reduction inbase demand from the end users to maintain a more constant totalelectrical demand from the local distribution network and make moreefficient utilization of the power plants 22.

The controller 66 may also include other instructions such as automatedinstructions that are executed on a processor associated with controller66 and responsive to executable computer instructions. Another exemplaryembodiment instruction 120 that includes a method for collecting fees asillustrated in FIG. 9. As will be discussed below in more detail, afterreceiving data 90 that a PIH vehicle is connected to the localdistribution network 28, controller 66 determines if the PIH vehicle hasan account with the utility 128. In the exemplary embodiment, the PIHvehicle accounts maintained by the utility are “pre-paid” where fundsare placed in the account prior to the account holder consumingelectricity. The controller 66 may be connected to one or morepre-authorized financial accounts 122 such as bank checking account 124or credit card account 126 (FIG. 3). This connection would allowcontroller 66 to further execute instructions that result in thetransfer of funds to replenish the utility account.

A utility account may be desirous to both the utility and the accountholder. In exchange for the pre-paid account and the ability to schedulethe recharging times, the utility may extend a lower tariff rate to theaccount holder thus reducing the cost of operating the PIH vehicle.Alternatively, the account holder may desire to purchase the electricalpower from a particular source, such as a renewable energy source suchfrom a solar or wind generation system. In the exemplary embodimentinstruction 120, if the PIH vehicle does not have an account, thecontroller 66 changes the tariff rate for the PIH vehicle electricityconsumption to a second rate 130. In the exemplary embodiment, thesecond rate 130 is higher than the tariff charged to an account holder.If a utility account does exist, controller 66 determines if the accounthas sufficient funds 132 to recharge the PIH vehicle based on data 92regarding the level of charge in the batteries. When sufficient fundsare available, the utility account is debited 134 for the cost of therecharge and the vehicle is scheduled for a recharging period asdiscussed above. In circumstances where there are insufficient funds,the controller may initiate a transfer 136 from the preauthorizedfinancial accounts 122 as discussed above.

Referring now to FIG. 10, there is shown the meter 60 receiving asinputs data 138, and instructions 140. The data 138 may come from avariety of sources, such as transmitted data 142, database data 146,vehicle data 144, operator input data 148, and other data 150. The dataand instruction outputs from meter 60 may be transmitted to controller66, the residential meter 70, or a controller associated with the maindistribution network.

Another embodiment of the meter 60 is shown in FIG. 11. The data 138 isdescribed in terms of the type of information represented by the data,such as the expected itinerary of the vehicle 152, the state of chargeof each of the batteries 154, the recharge electrical consumption data156, the cost of electrical energy 158, and data from other sources 160.Similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the data and instructionoutputs from controller 66 may be transmitted to the controller 66, theresidential meter 70, or a controller associated with the maindistribution network. This data may be used advantageously to help inthe cost effective and efficient scheduling of the recharge of the PIHvehicle. For example, data on the itinerary of the vehicle for thefollowing day, along with the state of charge of the batteries, mayallow the controller 66 to skip the recharging period of the PIH vehicleif the vehicle has sufficient charge remaining for the travel expectedthe next day. This would provide further options to assist thecontroller 66 in balancing the demand from the local distributionnetworks 26, 28 and the power available from the main distributionnetwork 24.

In another embodiment, the recharging schedule includes rechargingperiods during other parts of the day. For example, an end user on theresidential local distribution network 28 leaves their house in themorning and travels in the PIH vehicle to a place of work that includesa charging station. After plugging the PIH vehicle into the commerciallocal distribution network 26, the meter 60 communicates information,such as account information, state of charge for example, with thecontroller 66. The controller 66 may then schedule a recharging periodfor the PIH vehicle during the day if there is available electricalpower. The ability to dispatch and include additional loads created byPIH vehicles would allow the utility to further increase theirefficiency of their operations by better utilizing power plants 22 ortalking advantage of lower cost electrical power from other distributionsystems as it becomes available.

Referring now to FIG. 12, another embodiment of the meter 60 isillustrated. The meter 60 receives data 138, and instructions 140. Theinstructions 140 may include automated instructions that are executed ona processor associated with meter 60 and responsive to executablecomputer instructions. These instructions 140 may take the form ofsoftware, firmware, or any other form or combination of forms in whichcomputer instructions may be embodied. The instructions 140 may or maynot be subject to reprogramming or other change. An exemplaryinstruction 162 includes a process for scheduling the recharging of thePIH vehicle based on an itinerary data 152. First the meter 60determines if the batteries 58 require recharge 164. If a recharge isdesired, the vehicle's itinerary is interrogated 166 to determine ifthere is sufficient charge 168 to meet the needs of the vehicle owner.If the PIH vehicle does not have itinerary data 152 or if the charge isinsufficient, the meter 60 transmits data 170 to the controller 66indicating a desire to be placed on the recharging schedule. If thebatteries are not in need of recharge, or if the itinerary data 152indicates that the charge is sufficient, the meter 60 either indicatesno recharge is needed 172 to controller 66. Allowing a PIH vehicleoperator to determine whether or not to recharge based on an itinerarymay provide advantages to the account holder. For example, if theutility has different tariff rates for different days, weekdays versusweekends for example, by programming the meter 60 to skip a day if costof energy data 158 indicates that the electricity will be less expensiveon an alternate day.

It should be appreciated that the meter 60 while discussed herein interms of its processor functionality may also include a number ofcomponents. It is contemplated that the meter may, in addition, includehardware elements such as, but not limited to a current transformer, aninduction meter, a power supply, a metering engine such as an digitalsignal processor, and the like.

Further, in another alternate embodiment, the meter 60 is arranged toallow the flow of electrical power from the batteries 58 into theresidence 46. In this embodiment, where an unexpectedly high demand isexperienced on the local distribution network 28, the controller 66 mayinstruct the meter 60 to reverse the flow of electrical power from thebatteries 58 back to the residence 46 in order to offset the power usagein the residence 46. The cabling installed in most residential buildingswill typically allow a maximum transfer of 1 kilowatt to 2 kilowatts ofelectrical power. While this may not be sufficient to meet all theelectrical needs of the residence 46, this could provide an additionaladvantage to the utility in allowing the balancing of loads and supplyto meet the needs of the local distribution network 28.

As discussed above, the utility account may be desirous to both theutility and the account holder. In exchange for the pre-paid account andthe ability to schedule the recharging times, the utility may extend alower tariff rate to the account holder thus reducing the cost ofoperating the PIH vehicle. Referring to FIG. 13, an alternate embodimentcollection system is illustrated. Given the mobility of modern society,it is likely that PIH vehicle users may want to recharge the vehiclesbatteries at more than one location. For example, the end user may wishhave the batteries charged while they are working or otherwisetraveling. Therefore it would be advantageous to have a system thatfacilitates the collection of fees in a manner that provides benefits toboth the utility and the end user.

In this embodiment, the controller 66 is coupled with one or more remotecomputers 180 and a plurality of readers 182 associated with the remotecomputers 180. The remote computers could be another controller on adifferent utility system, a controller on another main distributionsystem, a controller on a local distribution network or a computerassociated with a “recharging lot.” The recharging lot could be either acommercial operation conveniently located close to businesses orshopping centers, or alternatively could be a location provided by theutility or the local government to encourage the use of PIH vehicles.The controller 66 in this embodiment includes a processor 184 capable ofa programmed response and to execute computer instructions. Thecontroller 66 may also have a storage unit 186 that may comprise amagnetic, solid state, optical, or other storage media for storingapplications, data, operating systems and other information. It shouldbe appreciated that the controller 66 may also be connected to otherprocessing systems, such as financial accounts 122, credit card accounts126 and bank checking accounts 124 for example, to facilitate theexchange of funds to replenish an account as described above.

Each subscribing user will have a unique account associated with the PIHvehicle. To facilitate the operation of the recharging system,identification data is located in the PIH vehicle 48. This informationmay be embedded as data in the meter 60, or alternatively be located ina “tag” 188. The information data 190 embedded in the tag 188 mayinclude information on the utility account, which utility the account isheld, maximum acceptable energy costs, recharge rates and the like. Thetag 188 may transmit the identification data 190 using any means capableof interaction with the reader 182, including but not limited toradio-frequency, infrared or bar code. Once the reader 182 detects thetag 188, when the PIH vehicle is pulled into a recharging space in aparking lot for example, the information data 190 is transmitted by thelocal computer 180 to the controller 66 for validation. The transmissionof information data 190 may be accomplished by any suitable means,including but not limited to local area networks, wide area networks,satellite networks, Ethernet, or the Internet.

When the information data 190 is transmitted to controller 66, thecontroller 66 searches through files 192 created by processor 184 foreach subscribing utility account and stored on storage unit 186. Thefiles may contain such information as, but not limited to, an individualaccount holders name, address, tag information, prefunded accountinformation, and account holder energy cost preferences. The files 192may also include information that may be used to replenish the prefundedutility account balance. Once the controller 66 determines that the PIHvehicle has a valid account, data is transmitted to local computer 180authorizing the recharging along with any parameters that may affect thelength, amount or cost of the recharge. In the embodiment where therecharging occurs in a commercial recharging lot, the data may alsoinclude information on how funds will be exchanged between thecommercial lot and the utility. Where the recharge is to be for a fixedamount, the controller 66 debits the utility account for the appropriateamount. Where the amount to be charged is unknown at the time of theinitial data exchange, the local computer 180 communicates with thecontroller 66 once the charge is completed with cost information for therecharge.

The use of PIH vehicles is expected to reduce the overall amount ofcarbon emissions from the driving of personal vehicles since theemissions associated with generating electricity are lower than thecumulative emissions from fossil fuel based automobiles. One method oftracking emissions is called a “carbon credit.” Under internationaltreaties, such as the Kyoto Protocol, carbon emission quotas are imposedon countries to place a cap on emissions. Each nation in turn placesquotas on industries within their country. A carbon credit is a tradablecommodity that is created through “green” or low emission activities.Through the use of carbon credits, a high emission operator may offsettheir emissions by purchasing credits from the producers of the carboncredits. It should be appreciated that while the embodiments discussedherein have referred to “fund” transfers, these transfers may also be inthe form of a carbon credit. Further, due to the increased electricaldemand from PIH vehicles, utilities may have increased emissions eventhough the over all combined emission levels are lower. It iscontemplated that the utilities would be provided carbon credits or someother offset associated with providing of electrical power to PIHvehicles.

It should be appreciated that a system of authorized utility accountsmay be advantageous to governmental tax authorities as well. As theavailability and proliferation of PIH vehicles expands, the tax base ofwhat is known as “road use taxes” will decrease as well. Road use taxesare generated from the sale of fuel, such as gasoline for example, andused by governmental authorities to build and maintain the system ofroadways used by society. By using less fuel the PIH vehicle owner willcontinue to use the roadways while paying less in taxes for that use.While this may be desirous by the individual, in the long term thiscould be detrimental for society. By maintaining the utility accountsthat segregate electrical consumption by PIH vehicle from that of thenormal residential electrical loads. While a new road-use tax could beimposed on the electricity consumed by the end users, this couldunfairly penalize those utility customers who own conventionalcombustion engine vehicles. These end users would end up paying for roadtaxes twice, once on their gasoline purchase and then again with theirelectricity consumption. By implementation of the utility accounts andthe segregating PIH consumption from the other residential loads, thegovernmental tax authority is provided with an appropriate means forcollecting road use taxes without penalizing other residences that donot have a PIH vehicle

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including malting and using any devicesor systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scopeof the invention is defined by the claims, and may include otherexamples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples areintended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structuralelements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, orif they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantialdifferences from the literal languages of the claims.

1. A method for collecting fees for recharging a vehicle, said methodcomprising: providing a controller containing a plurality of utilityaccounts, wherein each utility account is associated with acorresponding individual or business entity; communicating with a meterassociated with a hybrid vehicle; determining if said hybrid vehicle isassociated with one of said utility accounts; authorizing electricalpower consumption by said hybrid vehicle at a first tariff rate if saidhybrid vehicle is associated with one of said utility accounts; and,assigning the hybrid vehicle an approved recharge time period.
 2. Themethod for collecting fees for recharging a hybrid vehicle of claim 1,said method further comprising: determining the charge level of thehybrid vehicle's batteries; and, in response to the determined chargelevel, determining if said utility account has sufficient funds torecharge the hybrid vehicles batteries.
 3. The method for collectingfees for recharging a hybrid vehicle of claim 2 further comprising:replenishing said utility account from a preauthorized financial accountassociated with said utility account.
 4. The method for collecting feesfor recharging a hybrid vehicle of claim 3, said method furthercomprising: determining demand requirements from a plurality of hybridvehicles connected to a local electrical distribution network having abase electrical demand; and determining associated electricalcharacteristics of said local electrical distribution network, includinga maximum power delivery capacity of said local distribution network;and, scheduling an approved recharge time period of each of theplurality of hybrid vehicles based on a balancing of said baseelectrical demand and the associated electrical characteristics of saidlocal electrical distribution network.
 5. The method for collecting feesfor recharging a hybrid vehicle of claim 4, said method furthercomprising: authorizing electrical power consumption by said hybridvehicle at a second tariff rate if the hybrid vehicle is not associatedwith one of said utility accounts.
 6. A method of collecting fees forrecharging of a vehicle comprising: associating a vehicle with anaccount; receiving a first signal from said vehicle, said first signalincluding an identification of said vehicle; verifying said vehicle isassociated with said account; transmitting a second signal, said secondsignal including an authorization to provide electrical power to saidvehicle; and, assigning a time period to provide electrical power tosaid vehicle.
 7. The method of claim 6 further comprising measuring anamount of electrical charge in a battery associated with said vehicle.8. The method of claim 7 further comprising determining said account hassufficient funds to charge said battery.
 9. The method of claim 8further comprising transferring funds into said account from apreauthorized financial account.
 10. The method of claim 6 furthercomprising: determining a demand requirement for a plurality of vehiclescoupled to an electrical distribution network; and, determining if saidelectrical distribution network includes sufficient capacity to transferelectrical power to fulfill said demand requirement.
 11. The method ofclaim 10 wherein said electrical distribution network includes a baselevel of electrical demand, and said determination of capacity includesdetermining if said electrical distribution network includes sufficientcapacity to transfer electrical power to fulfill said demand requirementof said plurality of vehicles and said base level.
 12. The method ofclaim 10 further comprising scheduling a time period of each of saidplurality of vehicles to receive electrical power from said electricaldistribution network.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein said schedulingis configured to balance said demand requirement of said plurality ofvehicles with said base level of electrical demand and said capacity ofsaid local distribution network.
 14. The method of claim 13 furthercomprising transmitting a third signal when said vehicle is notassociated with an account.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein saidthird signal includes a tariff rate data.